Description: The Fennec/Ecureuil is a family of multi-role helicopters featuring design simplicity, reliability and high performance. The aircraft was developed in the 1970s by Aerospatiale, thereafter Eurocopter and now Airbus Helicopters, as a replacement for the Allouette II. These lightweight helicopters are intended for both commercial and military markets. Fennec designation applies to military helicopters and Ecureuil, which means 'Squirrel' in English, applies to commercial helicopters. These platforms can be powered either by a single turboshaft engine or by two engines (AS 350/550 and AS 355/555 series). Composite materials have been used extensively in the aircraft design making it more durable and lighter. There are many variants of Fennec/Ecureuil helicopter family primarily due to the use of different power plants such as Arriel and Arrius family of engines. The characteristics of Fennec/Ecureuil helicopters also translate into low acquisition costs and low costs of maintenance and operation. Eurocopter has scored a big success through this helicopter family with more than 4,000 aircraft (2,400+ single engine models) sold around the globe so far. First flight was carried out in 1974 and the first delivery in April 1978.

The AS 555SN Fennec is the navalized version of the AS 555 helicopter family and suits maritime surveillance loaded with a nose-mounted a panoramic radar, law enforcement, anti-submarine warfare using torpedoes. The AS 555MN is an utility transport and law enforcement version optimized for maritime applications.